EDC 430 Unit Planning Sequence

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In his third chapter, Gallagher describes some of the "high points" of an eighth grade unit on Photosynthesis. Use this chapter as a basis to create a unit planning sequence that we can use to plan our units. Be prepared to share your sequence with the rest of the class, and explain how it reflects McTighe's idea of "Backwards Design."

Pre Unit planning

Before you start your unit planning you need to do a few things
  • Create your Objectives - In doing so it is important to go through your own knowledge bases (which should be extensive) as well as consulting national and state standards.
  • Formulate assesment/activities - You want to know what you want the students to know and you also want an idea of how you will asses this, both formally and informally. You don't want to actually write these, but an outline will keep you in the right direction. Use this also for your major activities/demos.
  • Look for resources - Many things have already been done, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Now that you know what you need(see your objectives), go ahead and find it. Brainstorm, and see what others think of your plan. Be mindful that you do not match the unit to a good activity, remember that the activities should be made to match your objectives, not the other way around.
  • Decide the order of your lessons/activities. Outline your unit and plan your lessons!
  • Teacher self assesment - Look back and see if your objectives follow your lesson

Post Unit/Pre-lesson planning

  • Activate Schema - you know what you want to teach, and what you want them to know at the end - now is the time to figure out how to do it. Know what each student brings to the table will allow you to teach effectively
  • Asses throuought - consistently assess your effectiveness, both informally and formally, remember your orginal plan
  • Teacher self assesment - are you on task, and keeping to your plan? Or did you go off on a week long tangent that hit none of your objectives?